Category Archives: Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN)

Strong literacy and numeracy skills are vital for lifelong learning, yet many adults in Aotearoa face challenges. This article explores how fostering learner agency—giving learners choice, voice, and confidence—can transform education, empowering them to thrive in changing environments and build resilient, self‑directed learning journeys. Continue reading →

PIAAC 2023 reveals urgent challenges in Aotearoa’s literacy and numeracy, with young adults, Māori, and Pacific communities disproportionately affected. This article unpacks the risks, opportunities, and why these results matter for every New Zealander—highlighting the need for action to build a stronger, more resilient future. Continue reading →

This synthesis report presents highlights and key findings from Ako Aotearoa funded projects that have worked to address the issue of how to design education to ensure the successful participation of those marginal to the established systems in New Zealand society and its workplaces. Continue reading →

A project to improve learners’ literacy skills by using Photovoice as the central mode of an integrated project-based teaching method. Continue reading →

A project to create two integrated Project-based Learning (PBL) experiences, which included a strong numeracy and literacy focus, that would engage Māori second-chance learners. Continue reading →

Research to create a learning resource for adult literacy learners using digital media with embedded learning support. Continue reading →

A project to improve the tertiary education outcomes for mathematics learners. Continue reading →

Research exploring the numeracy of students through assessment data analysis. Continue reading →

Research to investigate if word-writing is an effective mode for word learning and understanding for ESL students. Continue reading →

Research to identify factors likely to support effective communication in clinical placements for ESL nursing students. Continue reading →

This report introduces the Storybook Dads approach to increasing literacy amongst male prisoners and investigate how the programme might enhance their family or whānau relationships whilst in prison. Continue reading →

A project to identify the literacy, language and numeracy (LLN) needs of trainees in order for them to complete higher level tertiary qualifications. Continue reading →

Research on developing a new literacy game in a virtual world to assist students to fill in gaps in literacy and numeracy. Continue reading →

A project to develop an ESOL teaching resource to enable ESOL teachers in NZ to develop their teaching skills. Continue reading →

A project describing how a project approach and embedding literacy and numeracy resulted in improved learner outcomes. Continue reading →

This report investigates ESOL teachers’ use of authentic spoken texts with learners at different proficiency levels.  Continue reading →

A project to assess the workplace literacy (WPL) skills of Māori farm employees from five isolated pastoral farms in Northland. Continue reading →

Research to develop a diagnostic enrolment tool to assess the most suitable qualification for migrant dairy farm workers. Continue reading →

Research to identify learning needs of refugees with low language and literacy skills and to identify teaching strategies. Continue reading →

A project to evaluate a numeracy programme aimed at supporting students entering university with low mathematics competency. Continue reading →

This resource introduces the The kaupapa Māori wellbeing assessment model – Hei Ara Ako ki te Oranga Māori. This model can be used for assessing the literacy skills and overall wellbeing of Māori adult learners. Continue reading →

A project to develop audio-visual resources for students wanting to improve their academic reading skills and another audio-visual tool for tutors to understand the reading needs of their students. Continue reading →

A series of short guides featuring teaching and learning strategies designed to simplify the process of embedding literacy for vocational and foundation tutors. Continue reading →